Surname Antonius - Meaning and Origin
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Antonius: What does the surname Antonius mean?
The last name Antonius is a Latin surname originating from an ancestor whose name meant “invaluable” or “highly praised”. The root of the surname, “Anton”, was a Roman given name, a form of the Latin name Antonius. Antonius is derived from Antonius, a Roman given name of unknown etymological origin. It was the most prevalent name among the Roman gentry and nobility.
The Antonius family originated from many regions, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and many other European countries. The name is also found in England, though it is thought to have been introduced by Norman family names.
The surname Antonius is well-represented in literature and art. This is due to its historic importance and its connection to the Roman Empire. Ovid, Plutarch, and the famous Roman authors Virgil, Cicero, and Juvenal all had Antonius families. There are also a few famous Antonius family paintings, such as “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci.
Overall, the meaning of the Antonius surname reflects a long and rich history. The name is a source of pride for many families throughout Europe and the United States and is associated with strength, intelligence and courage. Its connections to the Roman Empire continue to inspire those who carry the Antonius name today.
Order DNA origin analysisAntonius: Where does the name Antonius come from?
The last name Antonius is of Latin origin and is most commonly found in Eastern Europe, especially in countries like Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Hungary. It is also very common in the United States, particularly in areas with a strong Portuguese influence, such as in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida. This name is thought to have derived from Antonius, the Latin family name and the cognomen of Marcus Antonius, one of the most influential Roman leaders during the era of Julius Caesar. Despite its varied history, the last name Antonius remains a popular family name throughout much of the world today.
In the United States, the 2000 census listed Antonius as the 990th most popular surname. In England, it was the 1,472nd most popular name that same year. The name can also be found in the Netherlands, the Philippines, Canada, India, and Pakistan. Additionally, it is a popular name in numerous Latin American countries, primarily Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.
The meaning of the name Antonius is ‘of great value,’ which is often why it is still consistently chosen in many parts of the world today. Thanks to its broad and varied cultural influences, Antonius is a popular surname that is recognizable and associated with many different countries. Up until quite recently, the name was not particularly common outside of the United States, but recent data suggests it has become more widespread in recent years.
Variations of the surname Antonius
The surname Antonius is a Latinized variant of the Ancient Greek personal name Antonios, which means ‘worthy of praise’. The name is found in many cultures around the world and has many variants and spellings, including: Antonio, Anthony, Antony, Antoine, Antonio, Antuan, Antone, Antuano, Anton, Antal, Anthonio, Anthonis, Antonijs, Anthoni, Tonio, Toni, Tōnio, Tōnia.
In addition to the variants, the surname Antonius can also take on different surnames, including: Antonis, Antonius, Antonsen, Antonino, d’Antoni, Anthony, Antonopoulos, Anastasiades, Antonin, Antonucci, Antonovich, Antony, Antonakas, Antonakopoulos, Antonovici, Antonovski, Antonovskij, Antonov, Tonev, Tonchev, and Tonkonogov.
Some cultures have changed this name over time, such as in German-speaking countries, where it is often spelled as Anton or Anten. The name has also been used to create hybrid names, such as the Spanish calque Antonio-Jose.
In the United States, Antonius is commonly found among African Americans. It is believed to have been introduced by enslaved people who took on the surnames of their owners. Some spelling variants that are found in the United States for this surname are Anotnio, Antonnio, Antonieo, and Anthonio.
Antonius is also commonly found in countries such as Italy, Portugal, Greece, Romania, and Spain, where it is sometimes Anglicized to Anthony or Antonio.
Famous people with the name Antonius
- Mark Antony: Roman statesman and general who lived during the first century BC
- Marcus Antonius Persicus: Stoic philosopher
- Imperator Caesar Antonius Pius: Roman emperor from 138 to 161
- Pompey Magnus Pius (Pompey the Great): Roman general and political leader
- Titus Antonius Merenda: Roman poet and satirist
- Quintus Antonius Balbus: Roman statesman
- Gaius Julius Caesar (Caesar Augustus): Roman statesman who served as the first emperor of the Roman Empire
- Marcus Antonius Orator: Roman statesman and one of Julius Caesar’s right-hand men
- Marcus Aemilius Lepidus: Roman statesman who collaborated with Mark Antony and Octavian
- Lucius Antonius: elder brother of Mark Antony